I Can't Get Motivated To Work Out! What Can I Do? 10 Tips To Help You!

You know that working out is good for you.  You know that you should move more and and become healthier and more fit.  But maybe you have a hard time getting motivated or staying motivated.  That is VERY common!  Well, first off, I have to say, that you COULD come to one of my classes and have fun playing around while you get fit.... but if you want some tried and true techniques to get you motivated and STAY motivated, I have asked around and these are the 10 best answers that I received:

1. Get enough sleep!  If you have had a good rest, you will have more energy and more of a desire to get out there and MOVE!
2. Find a friend or group that you enjoy being with in order to hold you accountable to going!
3. Do different workouts.  Mix it up.  You won't get bored and your body will thrive with the changing ways that you are moving your body.
4. Set a goal, but don't set your goal too high! AND TALK TO PEOPLE ABOUT YOUR GOAL! If you talk about it to others, you will have some sort of accountability   As far as not setting your goal too high:  If you decide that you are going to work out 2 hours a day, 7 days a week, that could be an unattainable and unmanageable regime.  Set small goals, keep them and be satisfied and then set some more  Maybe your goal will be walking twice a week and going to a group exercise class once or maybe twice a week.  
5. Create a pattern that your body thrives on.  When you exercise, you release endorphines that make you feel good and that give you energy.  Once your body starts to produce these endorphines at generally the same time every day, your body will then NEED the exercise.   For instance, if you like to work out in the mornings, after a while your body will actually CRAVE the workout time and you will have more energy throughoutt your day.  Without that workout, you will probably feel tire and lethargic!  I know this definitely is true with me!  Your body develops a pattern over time of when you are tired and when you have energy.... let your exercise help create that pattern.
6. DON'T PUT YOUR GYM BAG AWAY! LEAVE IT WHERE YOU CAN SEE IT!!! If it is in plain sight, it is a reminder!!
7. Realize that there is an ebb and flow for everything.  Motivation is not constant.  Yes, sometimes you might not be so excited about your exercise.  Just stick it out!  The motivation will come back, probably as soon as you start moving again.
8. Read articles online and in magazines on fitness and the benefits that come along with it!
9. Plan ahead.  Don't wake up and think "Hmmmm, what am I going to do today."  Better to preplan your week and KNOW what you need to do each day to reach your goal.  (See #4)
10. HAVE FUN WITH IT! THINK OF YOUR EXERCISE AS LIKE BEING A BIG KID PLAYING ON A PLAYGROUND!   JUMPING AROUND, MOVING, SMILING!  MAKES YOU FEEL YOUNG!!!